Getting started in countertops

Decorative concrete is the hottest thing going right now, and the segment getting the most attention is concrete countertops.

The reasons are obvious. For contractors, it's a way to make more money with less concrete. For designers and builders, it's a way to deliver something a little different

So it's no surprise that a lot of contractors are thinking about getting into this market niche. Before taking the plunge, though, it's worth looking at what you need to know before you get started and what are some of the common mistakes.

Getting trained

The most important thing to do before starting work on concrete countertops is to get some training.

"Training is so important," says Doug Bannister of The Stamp Store. "Go to a class - go to more than one class."

With so many training options out there, Bannister recommends taking classes from more than one source.

"Go to at least two different classes," he says. "It will get you way ahead so you can hit the ground running instead of spending your time figuring everything out on your own."